Humanities Desk

One group in Nebraska is starting a new program to bring more diversity to the state’s boards and commissions. Nebraska Public Media’s Kassidy Arena reports it will train people from diverse backgrounds in how to become board and commission members.

A KCUR and Midwest Newsroom investigation reveals the chain of events that ended in the death of Clesslynn Crawford almost exactly two years ago.

Lincoln ranked number one in the nation for the city with the highest rate of self-response for the mid-way point of the 2020 U.S. Census. The U.S. Census Director met with refugee and immigrant organizations to talk about how they achieved their success.

Lincoln manufacturing companies and refugee support agencies have found a solution to two problems: a labor shortage and refugees’ need for employment. The new idea has so far worked to solve both cases.

A bill that would eliminate a legal defense for teachers and librarians charged with providing obscene material to other people stalled in the Nebraska legislature Wednesday. Senator Joni Albrecht says she introduced LB441 to keep inappropriate books from being provided to kids in public schools and libraries.

Jane Kleeb is known as the force behind the effort to stop oil giant, TransCanada from building the Keystone XL oil pipeline through Nebraska. But she's also Jane Kleeb who battled anorexia as a teenager. Kleeb talked with Nebraska Public Media's Dale Johnson about her experience and the unwavering strength she found in the face of adversity.

Brule, Nebraska, a village of 330 residents just west of Ogallala, has seen its fair share of controversy over the last few months, including the resignation of a longtime village employee and efforts to recall two village board members. More than 60 percent of voters cast their ballots against recalling Brian McNeff and Mike Gibson in their respective elections, allowing them to remain on the Brule Village Board.

As part of the proposed budget in the Nebraska Legislature, $25 million that was originally slated for affordable housing would be used for a different kind of housing. Affordable housing is geared toward lower-income buyers. Under the budget proposed by the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, $20 million would be shifted to rural workforce housing, and $5 million would go to middle income housing.

One city in Nebraska has found a way to both welcome newcomers and bolster the area’s economy. A Fremont organization has instituted a new system.

Two Nebraska high school seniors — one in Pender and one in Lincoln — committed to the University of Nebraska under the new Presidential Scholars program. The scholarship gives a full-ride plus a $5,000 stipend for any University of Nebraska school to in-state students who score a 36 on the ACT. The university announced the program last month.